The workforce is undergoing a massive transformation, and freelancing is at the heart of it. According to Statista, by 2027, an estimated 86.5 million Americans will be freelancing, making up 50.9% of the total U.S. workforce. This shift isnāt just a trendāitās a fundamental change in how work is structured, opening new opportunities for HR professionals who are ready to step into consulting roles and help businesses navigate this evolving landscape.
The Rise of Freelancing and HRās Role in It
1. The Search for Flexibility and Work-Life Balance
Traditional 9-to-5 jobs are becoming less appealing, as professionals seek more control over their careers. The pandemic accelerated remote work, and many discovered they could earn more, work smarter, and create a better work-life balance without the constraints of a single employer.
2. The Gig Economy and Digital Transformation
Technology has made freelancing more accessible than ever. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and LinkedIn allow professionals to market their skills worldwide. Companies are also relying more on independent contractors for specialized expertise instead of hiring full-time employees. This is where HR consultants come ināguiding organizations on how to structure, manage, and retain a blended workforce.
3. Economic Uncertainty and Job Security Concerns
With economic fluctuations and layoffs, many professionals are choosing freelancing as a proactive career move. Instead of being dependent on a single employer, freelancers diversify their income streams, increasing job security. Likewise, companies are cutting costs by hiring skilled contractors rather than expanding their full-time workforce.
HR Consulting: Your Key to Success in This New Era
4. Companies Need HR Consultants More Than Ever
Businesses are restructuring their workforce strategies, and they need HR experts to guide them. From independent contractor compliance to risk mitigation and engagement strategies, HR consultants are playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of work.
5. Why HR Professionals Should Embrace Consulting
The rise of freelancing is creating an unprecedented demand for HR consultants. Companies need strategic HR support to navigate independent contractor laws, develop best practices for hiring and retention, and mitigate risks. Whether you want to launch your own consulting business or become a trusted HR leader, now is the perfect time to take action.
My Journey into HR Consulting ā Why You Shouldn’t Wait
Twelve years ago, after 30 years in HR, I finally took the leap into entrepreneurship and launched my first company, Lejarza HR Consulting. Since then, Iāve expanded and opened multiple businesses, but I often wonderāwhere would I be if I had started 20 years earlier?
The lesson? Donāt wait for the āperfectā timeāit may never come. If youāve been thinking about starting your own HR consulting business or positioning yourself as an HR consultant within your organization, start now. The key is to take actionāitās always better done than perfect.
Elga Lejarza
Founder & CEO
Lejarza HR Consulting
